US20160278346A1 - Method and apparatus for a remotely managed animal collar lock - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for a remotely managed animal collar lock Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160278346A1 US20160278346A1 US15/080,295 US201615080295A US2016278346A1 US 20160278346 A1 US20160278346 A1 US 20160278346A1 US 201615080295 A US201615080295 A US 201615080295A US 2016278346 A1 US2016278346 A1 US 2016278346A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- collar
- clasp
- locking
- communication device
- animal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 17
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005355 Hall effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010534 mechanism of action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K27/00—Leads or collars, e.g. for dogs
- A01K27/005—Quick-couplings, safety-couplings or shock-absorbing devices between leash and collar
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K27/00—Leads or collars, e.g. for dogs
- A01K27/001—Collars
Definitions
- the present invention is generally directed toward an apparatus for a remotely managed animal collar lock. Further, it is directed toward a method for a remotely managed animal collar lock.
- Intelligent animal collars are known in the art and can be used for tracking, containment, controlled movement, training, communication, vision, and any number of other uses. Many of these devices can be controlled via a smart mobile device application.
- U.S. Pat. No. 9,258,982 to Golden, et al. discloses an animal collar that controls and confines an animal within a predefined boundary.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,433 to Files discloses a device for controlling an animal's movement using a collar to provide a physical stimulus and/or audible cue.
- the microprocessor has a unique identification code, typically residing in non-volatile memory, which links a specific collar to a communication device, such as smart mobile phone or pad, or a proprietary device.
- the communication device uses a method of communication, such as, cell, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other radio system, to send a lock or unlock command from the communication device to the collar causing the microprocessor to execute the command.
- the locking clasp contains sensors capable of discerning whether the clasp is open or closed, and any opening of the clasp outside of receiving a valid Open command results in an appropriate message being sent to the communication device.
- Collar message transmission regarding an open or unlocked clasp without receipt of an Open command will only be sent to the unique collar identifying code associated communication device.
- a collar that has its clasp opened without receiving a valid Open command can render itself inoperative other than to reconnect with the valid owner, for any or all functionality, including mechanically preventing the clasp from being closed.
- FIG. 1 depicts a general communication system diagram showing how an electro-mechanical collar clasp on an animal collar with an open/closed sensor and lock/unlock mechanism communicates with communication devices with and without unique collar identification codes.
- This invention solves the theft problem by only allowing the registered owner of the collar 9 to open the collar clasp 2 , rendering the collar and/or the clasp 2 inoperable should it be forced open by someone other than the owner.
- a collar purchaser registers a collar with the vendor, and the vendor enables the collar 9 to only respond to a specific communication device 3 or set of devices which will be used to control or manage the collar 9 .
- the communication device 3 is linked to the collar 9 using a unique collar identifying code 5 permanently stored in the collar 9 or any other method of verifying a valid match between the collar 9 and the communication device 3 . If the collar clasp 2 is stolen by forcing it open, the clasp sensor would detect the motion and execute any number of possible actions to render the collar 9 inoperable to the thief, including without limitation, prevention of clasp 2 closure and blocking elements of collar 9 functionality (but not the ability to re-link to the owner).
- FIG. 1 illustrates the communication of a unique collar identifying code 5 between an electro-mechanical collar locking clasp 2 on an animal collar 9 and a communication device 3 .
- the preferred embodiment of the device is an animal collar 9 with an electro-mechanical, battery powered microprocessor controlled locking clasp 2 which consists of a locking/unlocking mechanism 4 , a communication device 3 , and a method of communication 6 .
- the vendor After purchasing the intelligent animal collar 9 , the vendor registers the animal collar to the individual purchaser's separately purchased communication device 3 with a unique collar identifying code 5 which is permanently stored in the collar 9 and allows the collar 9 to only be operated via commands from the individual purchaser's communication device 3 , such as a smart phone.
- the collar identifying code 5 resides in non-volatile memory, and the smart phone can run an application that allows the user to interact with the collar 9 by using valid lock and unlock commands. Therefore, the individual's communication device 3 controls the actions of the locking/unlocking mechanism 4 of the animal collar 9 by sending lock or unlock commands 8 to the collar 9 causing the microprocessor 7 to execute the open/close commands and lock or unlock the clasp 2 .
- the mechanism of action utilized in this embodiment to open and close the locking clasp 2 uses any sensor (i.e., Hall effect) capable of discerning whether the latch is opened or closed.
- the individual with the unique identifying code 5 can also lock the collar 9 by physically locking it manually.
- the collar 9 will not open or unlock because the individual's device does not have the unique collar identifying code 5 and is thus not linked to the collar 9 . Any opening of the clasp 2 outside of it receiving a valid Open command 8 from a linked communication device 3 results in an appropriate message being sent to the communication device 3 and actions initiated to render the collar 9 inoperable.
- the sensor response actions can include preventing clasp 2 closure and blocking elements of collar 9 functionality (but not the ability to re-link to the owner) when an invalid command is received from a device not linked to the collar or when the collar 9 is forced open.
- the separate purchased communication devices that can be used by the individual animal owner to interface with the collar 9 , include without limitation, a smart mobile phone or pad, computer, or proprietary radio system. These devices can run an application which allows for communication between the device 3 and the collar 9 .
- the communication device 3 can communicate to the collar 9 by various available methods, including but not limited to, cell, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other radio system.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Telephone Function (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
An electro-mechanical animal collar locking clasp with open and close sensors is described that allows a communication device with a unique collar identifying code to lock and unlock the collar. The forced opening of the collar clasp would be detected by the clasp sensors initiating a response to render the collar inoperable.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/137,309, filed Mar. 24, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention is generally directed toward an apparatus for a remotely managed animal collar lock. Further, it is directed toward a method for a remotely managed animal collar lock.
- Intelligent animal collars are known in the art and can be used for tracking, containment, controlled movement, training, communication, vision, and any number of other uses. Many of these devices can be controlled via a smart mobile device application. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,258,982 to Golden, et al., discloses an animal collar that controls and confines an animal within a predefined boundary. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,433 to Files discloses a device for controlling an animal's movement using a collar to provide a physical stimulus and/or audible cue.
- As humans' daily routines become more and more application based, the demand and popularity of intelligent animal collars that interact with smart mobile devices has been increasing. However, the increased popularity of these devices, as well as, the high dollar value associated with ownership, create a need to protect such devices from theft.
- An electro-mechanical, battery powered, microprocessor controlled locking clasp on an animal collar is disclosed. The microprocessor has a unique identification code, typically residing in non-volatile memory, which links a specific collar to a communication device, such as smart mobile phone or pad, or a proprietary device. The communication device uses a method of communication, such as, cell, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other radio system, to send a lock or unlock command from the communication device to the collar causing the microprocessor to execute the command. The locking clasp contains sensors capable of discerning whether the clasp is open or closed, and any opening of the clasp outside of receiving a valid Open command results in an appropriate message being sent to the communication device.
- Collar message transmission regarding an open or unlocked clasp without receipt of an Open command will only be sent to the unique collar identifying code associated communication device. A collar that has its clasp opened without receiving a valid Open command can render itself inoperative other than to reconnect with the valid owner, for any or all functionality, including mechanically preventing the clasp from being closed.
- Further advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description of preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 depicts a general communication system diagram showing how an electro-mechanical collar clasp on an animal collar with an open/closed sensor and lock/unlock mechanism communicates with communication devices with and without unique collar identification codes. - The following detailed description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
- This invention solves the theft problem by only allowing the registered owner of the
collar 9 to open thecollar clasp 2, rendering the collar and/or theclasp 2 inoperable should it be forced open by someone other than the owner. - More specifically, a collar purchaser registers a collar with the vendor, and the vendor enables the
collar 9 to only respond to aspecific communication device 3 or set of devices which will be used to control or manage thecollar 9. Thecommunication device 3 is linked to thecollar 9 using a uniquecollar identifying code 5 permanently stored in thecollar 9 or any other method of verifying a valid match between thecollar 9 and thecommunication device 3. If thecollar clasp 2 is stolen by forcing it open, the clasp sensor would detect the motion and execute any number of possible actions to render thecollar 9 inoperable to the thief, including without limitation, prevention ofclasp 2 closure and blocking elements ofcollar 9 functionality (but not the ability to re-link to the owner). - Referring to the drawings,
FIG. 1 . illustrates the communication of a uniquecollar identifying code 5 between an electro-mechanicalcollar locking clasp 2 on ananimal collar 9 and acommunication device 3. - The preferred embodiment of the device is an
animal collar 9 with an electro-mechanical, battery powered microprocessor controlledlocking clasp 2 which consists of a locking/unlocking mechanism 4, acommunication device 3, and a method ofcommunication 6. - After purchasing the
intelligent animal collar 9, the vendor registers the animal collar to the individual purchaser's separately purchasedcommunication device 3 with a uniquecollar identifying code 5 which is permanently stored in thecollar 9 and allows thecollar 9 to only be operated via commands from the individual purchaser'scommunication device 3, such as a smart phone. In this preferred embodiment, thecollar identifying code 5 resides in non-volatile memory, and the smart phone can run an application that allows the user to interact with thecollar 9 by using valid lock and unlock commands. Therefore, the individual'scommunication device 3 controls the actions of the locking/unlocking mechanism 4 of theanimal collar 9 by sending lock orunlock commands 8 to thecollar 9 causing the microprocessor 7 to execute the open/close commands and lock or unlock theclasp 2. - The mechanism of action utilized in this embodiment to open and close the
locking clasp 2 uses any sensor (i.e., Hall effect) capable of discerning whether the latch is opened or closed. Alternatively, the individual with the unique identifyingcode 5 can also lock thecollar 9 by physically locking it manually. - In the preferred embodiment, if an individual other than the individual who purchased and registered the
collar 9 with the vendor, tries to force open thecollar 9 or unlock thecollar 9 using open/close commands from an application on their communication device, thecollar 9 will not open or unlock because the individual's device does not have the uniquecollar identifying code 5 and is thus not linked to thecollar 9. Any opening of theclasp 2 outside of it receiving a validOpen command 8 from a linkedcommunication device 3 results in an appropriate message being sent to thecommunication device 3 and actions initiated to render thecollar 9 inoperable. - The sensor response actions can include preventing
clasp 2 closure and blocking elements ofcollar 9 functionality (but not the ability to re-link to the owner) when an invalid command is received from a device not linked to the collar or when thecollar 9 is forced open. - For example, if a thief tries to steal the expensive
intelligent animal collar 9 off of an animal left in its backyard or outside while it's owner goes into a store, the collar will not work unless and until it receives an action from the animal owner's communication device with the identifyingcode 5, rendering theintelligent animal collar 9 useless to the thief. - The separate purchased communication devices that can be used by the individual animal owner to interface with the
collar 9, include without limitation, a smart mobile phone or pad, computer, or proprietary radio system. These devices can run an application which allows for communication between thedevice 3 and thecollar 9. - The
communication device 3 can communicate to thecollar 9 by various available methods, including but not limited to, cell, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other radio system. - The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” as used in the claims and specification herein, shall be considered as indicating an open group that may include other elements not specified. The terms “a,” “an,” and the singular forms of words shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The term “one” or “single” may be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as “two,” may be used when a specific number of things is intended. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.
- The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques other than those specifically described herein can be applied to the practice of the invention as broadly disclosed herein without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents of methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques described herein are intended to be encompassed by this invention. Whenever a range is disclosed, all subranges and individual values are intended to be encompassed. This invention is not to be limited by the embodiments disclosed, including any shown in the drawings or exemplified in the specification, which are given by way of example and not of limitation.
- While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.
- All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent literature documents or other source material, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in the present application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference).
Claims (11)
1. A remotely managed animal collar lock comprising:
a. a locking clasp with a locking and unlocking mechanism and sensors capable of discerning whether the latch is open or closed;
b. a microprocessor for controlling said locking clasp; and
c. a communication device capable of communicating with the animal collar and locking and unlocking said collar.
2. The communication device of claim 1 wherein said device is a smart mobile phone.
3. The communication device of claim 1 wherein said device is a smart mobile pad.
4. The communication device of claim 1 wherein said device is a proprietary device.
5. The communication method of claim 1 wherein said device communicates via WiFi.
6. The communication method of claim 1 wherein said device communicates via Bluetooth.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said collar is battery-powered.
8. A method for locking an animal collar and preventing theft comprising the steps of:
a. registering said collar to the owner using a unique identifying code; and
b. rendering the collar inoperable to a thief when forced open.
9. The identifying code of claim 8 residing in non-volatile memory.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein the inoperability includes preventing the clasp from closing.
11. The device of claim 8 wherein the inoperability includes blocking elements of collar functionality but not the ability to re-link the owner.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/080,295 US20160278346A1 (en) | 2015-03-24 | 2016-03-24 | Method and apparatus for a remotely managed animal collar lock |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562137309P | 2015-03-24 | 2015-03-24 | |
US15/080,295 US20160278346A1 (en) | 2015-03-24 | 2016-03-24 | Method and apparatus for a remotely managed animal collar lock |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20160278346A1 true US20160278346A1 (en) | 2016-09-29 |
Family
ID=56973780
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/080,295 Abandoned US20160278346A1 (en) | 2015-03-24 | 2016-03-24 | Method and apparatus for a remotely managed animal collar lock |
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US (1) | US20160278346A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170311573A1 (en) * | 2016-05-02 | 2017-11-02 | Trustin Sigmon | Rescue Collar |
USD822915S1 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2018-07-10 | Smart Pet Technologies, Llc | Wearable pet monitor |
US10912282B2 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2021-02-09 | Smart Tracking Technologies, Llc | Smart animal collar system |
-
2016
- 2016-03-24 US US15/080,295 patent/US20160278346A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170311573A1 (en) * | 2016-05-02 | 2017-11-02 | Trustin Sigmon | Rescue Collar |
USD822915S1 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2018-07-10 | Smart Pet Technologies, Llc | Wearable pet monitor |
US10912282B2 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2021-02-09 | Smart Tracking Technologies, Llc | Smart animal collar system |
US11910783B2 (en) | 2016-09-07 | 2024-02-27 | Smart Tracking Technologies, Llc | Smart animal collar system |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PROTECT ANIMALS WITH SATELLITES, LLC, NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WOLFGIS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:065419/0166 Effective date: 20230628 |